My boys love these Paleo Carrot French Fries hot out of the oven. I like baking them as it eliminates the messy splattering that results from the typical preparation of French fries –frying.
Speaking of messes, I feel like I’m cleaning up a lot of them these days. Writing a book this summer really threw me for a loop. First, I wasn’t entirely planning on it. Second, I spent just about every waking (and too many that should have been sleeping) moment(s) on the book. Now I’m feeling worn out and tired, and oh so cranky. I’m realizing that pushing myself this hard is not good and that getting back into balance will take more than one restful weekend –it might take a couple of months, or even longer.
What do you do to take care of yourself when you are feeling off kilter? Let’s have a chat (in the comments section) and toss around our ideas. Right now, I’m focusing on eating a lot of protein, getting to sleep early and taking long slow walks. Do any of you have other strategies to share? Go ahead, let’s hear ’em!
Carrot French Fries
Ingredients
- 6 large carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
Instructions
- Cut each carrot into 2-inch long sections
- Cut each section into thin sticks
- In a large bowl toss carrot sticks with olive oil and salt
- Spread out carrot sticks on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
- Bake at 425°F for 18-22 minutes until carrots are browned
If you’re looking for other healthy vegetable recipes, Elise at Simply Recipes has one for Roasted Parsnips that looks incredible. Below is a photo of my carrot fries before the boys got their hands on ’em! I hope you enjoy these Paleo Carrot French Fries as much as we do.
And, in terms of the book that I just wrote, Gluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut Flour
Update: check out my nut-free Paleo Chocolate Cupcake recipe made with only 7 ingredients!
Kathy Culbert says
How about a short week-end vacation with the hubs @ a spa or someplace that caters to you only. Mud baths, massages, facials, etc. Does a body good!!!!
Michelle says
I find some of what you are doing to help. Eating lots of protein, no junk, and low sugar to be helpful. I also cut out caffeine. It was difficult, but the stress on your body from the coffee can make you feel even more depleted. I also go for massages, and listen to meditations at night. I just googled online meditations, and found a bunch of free ones to listen to. There are also several on you tube that sounds like the ocean.
T K says
The carrot fries look wonderful. We will try them soon. I have found that almost any root veggie takes on a wonderful character when baked…butternut squash is a favorite. We think it’s candy around here!
Off kilter? needing balance. I called it restoring… it’s what I’ve been doing for the past year. I found that reading for me is very healing. I like good stories with interesting content, some gentle mystery or tension and always and I mean always it must have a happy ending. I like to work with my hands, and that sometimes means crochet or it could be sewing, but it can’t be too involved or it starts to feel like just another job to do. I love puttering around in my flowerbeds and doing some light gardening. This summer we fixed up our back porch with a string of lights, lots of candle holders and recently a candle chandelier…we found a little cafe table with two chairs at an old furniture store…we even put a rug down for just a little more comfort, since there was already a swing, all that was needed there was a cozy quilt with a few pillows. Evenings are nice and a bit cooler now, so we can sit on the porch next to the chiminea with a small little fire and all the twinkling lights and glowing candles. Such peace. Serenity.
I realized the return of my freedom. Simple pleasures for me are the best, a walk through a local botanical garden with my daughter, a trip to the farmers market, an afternoon matinee with my husband.
My two children are older than yours and our son is married, but family brings with it it’s own demands from which we cannot escape, but saying no to outside demands was also good for me.
Often friends and family think they know what’s best for you. Sometimes, they do. They mean well but sometimes they don’t.
In the past six years I cared for and lost both of my parents. I’ve been lost without them and I knew that I needed time. And not just time away or time to myself. Restorative time. I think it means different things to different people. I realized I had given all I had. Everything. I have given myself whatever I needed and I must say it has been balm for my soul.
Jenni Lintz says
Wow Elana! You have a very thoughtful fan base! I,too hope you feel balanced soon.
The most productive action I completed after my unbalanced time was reevaluate my expectations and priorities. I would ask myself “What really needs to be done today to serve my family?” I allowed myself to sleep until I was rested, granted the kids more independence around the house with chores and not feel guilt over projects not started or finished.
Wishing you a speedy recovery to getting back on track! Thanks for being ‘real’ and an inspiration to many of us! I am grateful for your presence on the web and your influence in my life. Take care of yourself!
Amy says
I love it when someone talks honestly and openly about the fact that being too busy (even with worthy activities) wears them out. Thank you for being honest with yourself and us. And further, thank you for recognizing the fact that it may take more than one weekend of rest to recover from months of intense activity!
Get some restorative sleep. Soak in a bath. Continue to listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs better than I can!
Thanks for all that you do,
Amy
Elisa says
I do a few things:
I stay off the computer for at least one full day.
I watch my favorite episodes of “Friends” because it gets me laughing.
I read a book, and don’t feel guilty about it.
I lay down on the couch, and don’t feel guilty about it.
The biggest challenge for me is forcing myself to relax, and not feeling guilty about doing so.
Good luck!
Kelly ahti says
I know that some might say its “just a cookbook”, but honestly your first cookbook and your site have really helped me along as a newbie to the GF world- it’s hard enough to make the transition to GF eating, but there is actually a lot of UN healthy GF food out there. Your book and site were a great guide to me in helping me to move toward a more grain-free(ish), low glycemic way of GF eating. So, you are doing a great deal to benefit the health and wellness of others, which can be draining! (I know, I am a social worker). So, you can’t help others unless you are in a good place! What works for me? Yoga, walks, naps, A MASSAGE, and treat yourself to something that gives you a pick-me-up (a new sweater?). Best wishes.
Raquel of Galilee says
Elana, thank you for sharing. As for “CLEANING MESSES” my sister and I found we were in a rut and have successfully been trying something new for the past two weeks.
We got the idea from “fly lady” (http://www.flylady.net).
She has this idea of doing something (mess cleaning) for only 15 minutes a day. Which we found to be (1) so easy and (2) quite satisfying and (3) makes a gigantic difference!
This is what we do: We choose a 15 minute task. We trade off who decides on the task. If I emailed her the task today, she’ll email the task she chose tomorrow. We encourage each other and what can I say? It works!
Other things? Pilates to strengthen the core of your body and give vitality, and listening to music you adore! You are right, quality sleep is so important.
Mia says
Hello Elena,
Thanks for the great recipe!
What nurtures and resources me are walks out in nature, restorative yoga, meditation, Acupuncture and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy sessions.
Best wishes on your recovery process.
Love,
Mia
Marcella says
Made this for dinner tonight! So yummy!!!